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Great update for Gracie, not so great for Bugsy :(

post #1 of 43
1/24/11 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
Gracie went for her post-op check up Friday and she is doing GREAT! So Great in fact that she won't need a second surgery! She had fantastic results from her first surgery, and her mouth is doing wonderful - for now that's all she needs! They said it is always a potential problem, and she might need to have a surgery in the future, but for now she is a-ok!
We also re-tested her T-4 values as we (both I and the new vet) think she is grossly over-medicated - she takes 3 methimazole pills a day! The results are in, but I am waiting for a call from the vet to discuss. I will post as soon as I know.

Bugsy on the other hand... We went for a liver and kidney panel on Friday, as Sufasalazine can affect the liver. Well... The results are not too good - he will have to be pulled from the medication this week, in a few days. On his last test his ALT was 165 of a high normal of 132. This time his Alt was 207 with a high normal of 100
His vet wants me to pay very close attention to his appetite and call him Wednesday - until then he will be taking it. All the other enzymes and kidney values are normal. He is stopping on Wednesday/Thusday because that's when we end his food transition... He wants to keep him on it until then.
Next step will be a newer Steroid, called Budesonide. He said it has much less side effects than pred and other more common corticosteroids, and it is very good; not really used as a first choice due to cost; it is very expensive. Oh well... I am just crushed right now... Just crushed...
We will keep checking his liver values and if it doesn't go down we will do an ultrasound to see what's going on...
Please send my boy some vibes... And if you can send me some too, I would appreciate it... My heart is on the floor right now, I am just so so sad... I have been going through this for 104 days, and it is just killing me... I just don't know where to get strength from to keep the hope up sometimes...

**I also have a favor to ask... Please understand this is a great vet, who takes the time to call me at least once a week to check on Bugsy, who researches his case with other vets around the country, who spends hours at time with me on the phone trying to get a solution to make my baby well... He is truly amazing and I trust him with my eyes closed. So please, if you feel the urge to judge him, don't. We have been through a lot, and he is not the second, but the third opinion, and I will stick with him until he sends me to a specialist, which he is about to do. Thank you
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post #2 of 43
1/24/11 at 11:03am
Awww hun, thats great news about Gracie but I am so sorry to hear about Bugsy, your vet sounds fantastic, there aren't many that would be prepared to go out of their way for you.Sending you and Bugsy vibes.
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post #3 of 43
1/24/11 at 11:09am
First off, Great news about Gracie! It's great to hear how things are turnign around for your senior girl.

Sending lots of good for Bugsy and for you. It's awful when it becomes just one thing after another. Hopefully you see some improvement in the liver values once he stops the Sufasalazine.

Big to you and Bugsy.
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post #4 of 43
1/24/11 at 12:30pm
Good for Gracie. I hope she keeps doing so well.

Sending prayers your way for you and Bugsy. Try to take it one thing at a time. He couldn't be in better hands. That's a fact.

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post #5 of 43
1/24/11 at 12:33pm
I hope things improve for Bugsy. Your vet sounds very good. The one that I have now has one of the techs in the office call me once a week to make sure Patches is still doing well and it makes a huge difference.
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post #6 of 43
1/24/11 at 1:52pm
YAY for Gracie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of course..... I'm just so sorry about the news for Bugsy. Sending heaps of vibes to you both.
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post #7 of 43
1/24/11 at 1:59pm
I've got a question - since the liver (at least in humans) can regenerate itself, is there a possibility that his numbers would go down again at some point? If so, well, at least there's that.
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post #8 of 43
1/24/11 at 2:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kluchetta View Post
I've got a question - since the liver (at least in humans) can regenerate itself, is there a possibility that his numbers would go down again at some point? If so, well, at least there's that.
Yes, it should with getting off of the medication - if not, an ultrasound is in order...
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post #9 of 43
1/24/11 at 2:15pm
I personally think your vet is doing well... Lol I know a few who would push for heavy duty drug s or further tests.. but you know my thinking
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post #10 of 43
1/24/11 at 2:21pm
Gracie is such a sweet little old lady--I just love her and am SO glad she found a loving life with you!! Little Bugsy man is such a trooper. Bless his heart. ALL MY and go out to him and to YOU.
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post #11 of 43
1/24/11 at 2:21pm
for you, for Bugsy, and for Gracie to continue to improve.
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post #12 of 43
1/24/11 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharky View Post
I personally think your vet is doing well... Lol I know a few who would push for heavy duty drug s or further tests.. but you know my thinking
Yeah, I know those well... Heavy duty drugs could have disastrous results on Bugsy... Further tests have been discussed and are discussed on a regular basis depending on what we get from blood tests and medication results, and also what is still left to try. You need to crawl before you walk, before you run... I trust his judgment in choosing a good path for Bugsy, and what he tells me does make sense... If it didn't, I would be the first to discuss a different path, that's for sure... But in the end, I know that we both have Bugsy's best interest at heart- for me that is what counts, a lot!
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post #13 of 43
1/24/11 at 3:55pm
I'm so happy that Gracie has done so well under your care! Is she more sociable now or is she still keeping to herself pretty much?

Poor Bugsy man! Poor you! You are such an awesome cat meowmy! So many folks would've given up on him by now, but you're so committed to him and to make sure he's got the best treatment and the best life possible. He's so fortunate to have you.
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post #14 of 43
1/24/11 at 3:57pm
I am sorry Bugsy is having such problems. It is good you have a vet you know you can depend on and trust. That makes things easier. I hope things will improve. Glad the news about Gracie is good. You and your precious cat are in my thoughts.
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post #15 of 43
1/24/11 at 4:11pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stephanietx View Post
I'm so happy that Gracie has done so well under your care! Is she more sociable now or is she still keeping to herself pretty much?

Poor Bugsy man! Poor you! You are such an awesome cat meowmy! So many folks would've given up on him by now, but you're so committed to him and to make sure he's got the best treatment and the best life possible. He's so fortunate to have you.
Thank you Stephanie....
I would Never, ever ever ever give up on my baby boy... That is not a choice for me, or a thought that has ever crossed my mind...
I am crushed though... It has been a sad day... But I know it is just a sad day, and I will be brighter and happier again tomorrow... I just love him SO much... SOOO much... I just want him to be better.... God... I really just want him to be better...
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post #16 of 43
1/24/11 at 5:17pm
Poor Fluffy Bugsy just can't catch a break, can he? Sending lots of vibes for him to get better soon, and for you to stay strong and positive.

Great to hear about Gracie's results, hope she keeps doing well!
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post #17 of 43
1/24/11 at 6:12pm
I'm so happy to read about Gracie, That's great news! That poor cat has already gone through enough.

I'm so sorry to read about Bugsy, hopefully things will get better for him soon!

I don't know why you think people are going to think badly of your vet. All I ever thought of your vet was wow this vet's good. Wish Lynxx had your vet, he'd be alive now.
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post #18 of 43
1/24/11 at 6:38pm
Oh, Carolina, I'm so glad about Gracie. I really feel for your "old lady cat" as you call her. You are her angel, who is giving her a second chance at having a decent life.

But, poor Bugsy, and poor you. It is apparent how dear he is to you. And you've both been through so much. I think Bugsy is a doll. And I really hope his health problems will turn around soon, for your sake, as well as his.

I can't imagine criticizing your vet! But, a specialist may be in order now. The specialist practice that I've been sent to by my vet, in the past, is truly amazing. They are as sophisticated and specialized as I imagine the Mayo Clinic to be! So, maybe that is the way to go.

The expense can be a problem. But, if there was any chance of curing my kitties, I was willing to go into debt to prolong their lives, if the prognosis was good. I'm sure you feel the same.

I'll be praying for Bugsy, and you.

Robin
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post #19 of 43
1/24/11 at 7:07pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bastetservant View Post
Oh, Carolina, I'm so glad about Gracie. I really feel for your "old lady cat" as you call her. You are her angel, who is giving her a second chance at having a decent life.

But, poor Bugsy, and poor you. It is apparent how dear he is to you. And you've both been through so much. I think Bugsy is a doll. And I really hope his health problems will turn around soon, for your sake, as well as his.

I can't imagine criticizing your vet! But, a specialist may be in order now. The specialist practice that I've been sent to by my vet, in the past, is truly amazing. They are as sophisticated and specialized as I imagine the Mayo Clinic to be! So, maybe that is the way to go.

The expense can be a problem. But, if there was any chance of curing my kitties, I was willing to go into debt to prolong their lives, if the prognosis was good. I'm sure you feel the same.

I'll be praying for Bugsy, and you.

Robin
Thank you Robin
Yes, a specialist is on the plan if the course of steroid doesn't work...
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post #20 of 43
1/24/11 at 8:12pm
For you and Bugsy! And for Gracie!
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post #21 of 43
1/24/11 at 10:51pm
Oh Carolina, this isn't fair at all. All you do to take care of them,

Is he jaundiced? Im guessing not if his other levels (bilirubin) were ok? I would ask the vet if it is ok to start Denosyl asap (its just SAMe) and Milk Thistle until he is off the meds and liver levels come back normal, since this is medicine caused and likely isn't going to be chronic. Bear and I learned that cat livers can really take a beating.

Just make sure you keep him stuffed with food... I would probably be over feeding, but he has so many poo issues.

Try not to feel sooooo overwhelmed (been there ) because he is not critical just yet, eating is great. And it is extra great that his other levels are ok. He isn't going downhill just yet. You caught this early, try not to focus on the number because other than that he is doing ok. I feel for you, I know your worrying your head off. Just know that you ARE NOT alone.

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post #22 of 43
1/24/11 at 10:59pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKisses View Post
Oh Carolina, this isn't fair at all. All you to take care of them,

Is he jaundiced? Im guessing not if his other levels (bilirubin) were ok? I would ask the vet if it is ok to start Denosyl asap (its just SAMe) and Milk Thistle until he is off the meds and liver levels come back normal, since this is medicine caused and likely isn't going to be chronic. Bear and I learned that cat livers can really take a beating.

Just make sure you keep him stuffed with food... I would probably be over feeding, but he has so many poo issues.

Try not to feel sooooo overwhelmed (been there ) because he is not critical just yet, eating is great. And it is extra great that his other levels are ok. He isn't going downhill just yet. You caught this early, try not to focus on the number because other than that he is doing ok. I feel for you, I know your worrying your head off. Just know that you ARE NOT alone.
Thank you hun
No, he is not jaundiced and his bilirubin levels are normal; the only elevated level is ALT, which is why his vet is pretty sure this is due to the medication (s). He is eating well both wet and dry, I am watching him like a hawk. His dentist took him off his stomatitis medication as well, to be on the safe side... I will ask him about the supplements you mentioned... It is hard... I know well you have been there with Bear... Gosh, so hard to not see an end...
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post #23 of 43
1/24/11 at 11:35pm
I know it feels like forever... All I wanted to do when Bear was sick was curl up and cry... But you have to keep going for him & your others.

Is he acting normal? Its so weird... Bear acted 90% normal... to be so sick. As long as he is acting normal and not sitting there with eyes glazed over, I really think he will bounce back as soon as you can stop the meds. The occasional "I feel icky" is ok, because he is sick.

I guess what I am saying (and the reason I couldn't give up on Bear) is that I cant see how a cat that is acting normal can just die. Other than a stroke or something terrible like that... There is hope, A LOT of hope. Don't let your mind wander into dark thoughts, he is still here and you are doing everything you can. I really honestly believe that he will be ok, you take such good care of your babies and have a great vet.

I will be praying for Bugsman and you.
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post #24 of 43
1/24/11 at 11:45pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKisses View Post
I know it feels like forever... All I wanted to do when Bear was sick was curl up and cry... But you have to keep going for him & your others.

Is he acting normal? Its so weird... Bear acted 90% normal... to be so sick. As long as he is acting normal and not sitting there with eyes glazed over, I really think he will bounce back as soon as you can stop the meds. The occasional "I feel icky" is ok, because he is sick.

I guess what I am saying (and the reason I couldn't give up on Bear) is that I cant see how a cat that is acting normal can just die. Other than a stroke or something terrible like that... There is hope, A LOT of hope. Don't let your mind wander into dark thoughts, he is still here and you are doing everything you can. I really honestly believe that he will be ok, you take such good care of your babies and have a great vet.

I will be praying for Bugsman and you.
Yep, he is acting 100% normal... Sweet, mischievous, loving, just my baby boy he has always bee from day 1... He is the best kitty ever! He has me. Wrapped up around ALL his paws!
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post #25 of 43
1/25/11 at 6:22am
Carolina my deepest most heart felt congratulations on what you have done for Gracie.

I am so sorry to hear Bugsy is not improved and is having troubles related to treatment. Many prayers for him, and you, I love him like he was my own.

Bugsy
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post #26 of 43
1/25/11 at 10:57am
I"m so sorry that this new medication for Bugsy is affecting his ALT. Hopefully, switching to yet another medication will correct that, and not cause diarrhea again, if I'm reading and remembering everything accurately.

But great news for Gracie!

Hugs for you and Bugsy. At least he isn't aware that things aren't quite "normal" . That's a good sign.
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post #27 of 43
1/26/11 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 
Bugsy was nauseated last night, so we are weaning off him from Sulfasalazine today. He will take today through Saturday 1ml (instead of 2), have Sunday off, and if he still has diarrhea start the new steroid Monday.
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post #28 of 43
1/27/11 at 2:10am
Awe I am sorry. Maybe he took it long enough, you never know.

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post #29 of 43
1/27/11 at 4:46am
Bugsy
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post #30 of 43
1/27/11 at 8:32am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KatKisses View Post
Awe I am sorry. Maybe he took it long enough, you never know.
I am not sure sure what you mean, sure hope it is about the medicine...
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